The year is 2005. George W. Bush has just begun his second term as President; the Patriots have just won their second consecutive Super Bowl; and the nation is struck with a bad case of poker fever.

The resurgence of poker in America came after Average Joe players such as Chris Moneymaker convinced television viewers that they, too, could be superstars – which was easy to dream as ESPN broadcast the tournaments, making the players seem like sports stars.

The eventual decline of America’s poker fad was inevitable, especially considering the recession and political turmoil of the past couple of years. The fact is, though, poker is about skill, not luck.

Nowadays, poker leagues are set up in a less showy fashion, dedicated to servicing the remaining poker fanatics who actually play the game well. In moderately-sized urban districts such as Athens, smaller, independent poker leagues have been created to replace the larger, mainstream leagues that can’t survive without the big crowds.

The Southern Card Company (SCC) based in Statesboro creates a financially risk-free experience for university students in college towns.

“This is free poker, there’s no money involved, and that’s the only reason we hold these tournaments,” said company representative Adam Finley.

Prizes include bar vouchers, gift cards and scholarship money. Players are matched up by skill level and experience.

“We can put new players together so they can learn from each other and not get over shadowed by a really-really-good player,” Finley said.

In its early stages, the league has drawn interest from students who aren’t your typical pokers players.

“I haven’t actually played in anything official, just with friends,” said David Lewallen, a management information systems major from Atlanta. “I look forward to learning from unfamiliar people who play in leagues, people who are probably better than me.”

And Lewallen isn’t alone – the general consensus around campus is that poker is more about the experience and thrill than the money or fame gained from it.

The poker scene in America has largely shifted from the previous, egotistical bonanza to a more refined and respected arena for players to hone their skills while enjoying a healthy dose of competition. The SCC starts its fall season tonight at the Broad Street Bar and Grill at 7:30 p.m. and is open to players of all skill levels.